The HvA has no solution for praying spaces
The University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam still doesn’t have a clear solution for the shortage of praying spaces for Muslim students. The controversial debate that took place on the 4th April resulted in no consensus.
TheUniversity of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam organized a discussion with students about topics like religion in a public institution. FoliaWeb reports from the event. The spark for the discussion was the decision of the school to close a quiet room. Now Muslim students pray in corridors or staircases.
Ahmed Marcouch from PvdA, a writer Abdelkader Benali, a journalist Elma Drayer, a Professor Jacob Eikelboom and a chairman of the Central Participation Council Astrid de Jager were tossing this hot potato on Wednesday, however without reaching any agreement.
The writer Abdelkader Benali argued during the debate that the Muslim students have to be provided with space to express their faith: “The HvA is part of society. Religion is no longer a private matter.” His point of view was backed up by voices of other Muslim students participating in the debate. However, Jet Bussemaker, as a rector of a public university, does not want to facilitate space for believers.
The debate was not even about the physical praying spaces anymore. Marcouch stated rather vaguely that the school must offer students the freedom to express their faith. “Maybe it is not even a physical space, but space for the freedom to do that,” said Marcouch.
